Monday, February 11, 2013

Feb 9, 2013 Finisterre to Muxia: Just about as good as it gets

Robin and I slipped out of the albergue in Finisterre around 7:30 and headed across the street for some toast and coffee. Once it was light enough, about 8:30, we took off for Muxia. The weather looked favorable and it was warm enough (45 F) that we could walk without jackets. We set out enjoying the harbor views as we gained some altitude. The town was still quiet at this hour. A few farmers were dressing their fields, some were planting, but in the main most shutters hadn't been rolled up and the town was "punching the pillow" looking for just a bit more sleep. We were looking forward to today's walk, so with cool, fair weather, and bodies toned from weeks on the Camino, we moved along with a little extra kick in our step. We topped the hill where we would now lose sight of Finisterre. We took a quick look back and then plunged into the trail ahead. This walk has much to recommend it. It is almost all on wooded trails or rural roads, the views of the sea are compelling, the quiet is appreciated, the roar of breaking surf is an unexpected delight (especially before you can see the beach, and you wonder if that is the wind), and the views from atop the hill just before you enjoy the descent into Muxia are panoramic. Muxia, itself is a colorful fishing village that has the added attraction of the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Boat (a beautiful church right at the edge of the sea). There is a nice bar in the town of Lires, that offers a stamp for your credential, and makes a perfect halfway lunch stop. The Camino drops you onto the main road into Muxia and from that point it is still about 3 kms out to the church of Virgen de Barca. We paid our visit there and made our way back into town where a friend was picking us up and putting us up for a couple of days. We are now in Coruna, and will shift over to Ferrol tomorrow. Our plan is to spend two days in Ferrol and then start the Camino Ingles (Ferrol to Santiago) on Thursday. After that it is truly homeward bound. It has been a great experience, but Robin and I are ready to slip back into our life at home (at least for a bit). Still there are some kms left to walk, and we will soon be back on the Camino once again. All is well. Off to bed.